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JUST IN: 24-hour Curfew Imposed As Osun Communal Clashes Escalate

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  The communal clashes involving Ifon and Ilobu communities escalated on Saturday, spreading to the Erin Osun community. The governor, Ademola Adeleke, has subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected communities. Adeleke had initially imposed a 12-hour curfew in the wake of the communal clashes that had displaced many residents of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun. Many of those displaced were observed on the streets of Okinni on Saturday, with some, especially northerners, coming out of the area in buses. A statement by the spokesperson to Osun Governor Olawale Rasheed, intimating measures to prevent further escalation, reads, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has stepped up conflict de-escalation moves on the Ifon-Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising a joint security task force and hosting a peace deal between the two warring communities. “We assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the state’s presidency of development. We are on top of the situation. “Meanwhile, we seek to bring to the attention of the public that opposition elements are circulating old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun state. “While the ongoing conflict is regrettable and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government. The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the members of the public.”

Katsina CJ Grants Bail To 91 Inmates, Frees Four

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  As part of efforts to decongest correctional centres in Katsina State, the Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi, on Thursday granted bail to 91 inmates and discharged four others during a jail delivery exercise. The exercise, held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Katsina, was the first quarter jail delivery session for 2025. Speaking at the event, Justice Danladi revealed that the released inmates were recommended by the Sub-Committee on Decongestion of Correctional Centres based on various considerations, including age, length of time in custody, and health conditions. The PUNCH gathered that some of the freed inmates had spent years in detention without trial, while others were granted bail on compassionate grounds. Justice Danladi further announced that going forward, details of released inmates, including their photographs, would be documented for future reference. He urged the freed inmates to turn a new leaf, warning that any of them caught committing another offence may not be lucky enough to benefit from such an intervention again. On his part, the Katsina State Controller of Corrections, Umar Baba, commended the Chief Judge for the initiative, noting that it had helped in managing overcrowding and reducing tension in correctional facilities. “The jail delivery exercise has significantly contributed to easing congestion in our facilities, reducing tensions among inmates, and enhancing the process of rehabilitation,” Baba said. He also appealed to judges and magistrates to adopt non-custodial sentencing measures to further reduce the pressure on correctional centres and enable them to effectively reform and reintegrate inmates into society. Punch

Part-time HND Ineligible For NYSC Mobilisation, Minister Clarifies

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  The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, on Thursday, announced the resolution of the long-standing issue regarding the mobilisation of Higher National Diploma graduates for the National Youth Service Corps. A statement by the ministry said the decision followed a dialogue with the Director-General of NYSC. Similarly, the minister confirmed that only full-time HND graduates are eligible and can now proceed with their mobilisation. “This development marks a significant breakthrough for full-time HND graduates who were previously excluded from the NYSC program. It underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusivity in the nation’s education system. However, those who did HND part-time are not eligible for mobilization at all. “To facilitate a seamless mobilisation process, the National Board for Technical Education has been directed to expedite the collation of data for eligible HND graduates. In line with this, a circular has been sent to all Rectors of Polytechnics, instructing them to upload the necessary graduate data onto the newly created HND admission portal.” Alausa emphasised that NYSC mobilisation is strictly for those who completed a full-time HND program, stressing that only full-time HND graduates will be mobilised, while those who did HND part-time remain ineligible. He further disclosed that the newly created portal will ensure proper documentation of full-time HND graduates and serve as the official database for NYSC mobilisation, addressing past challenges related to admission records. The minister urged all eligible full-time HND graduates to take full advantage of this opportunity and proceed with their mobilisation without delay. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerian graduates and ensuring their contributions to national development through the NYSC scheme.  

Nigerian Army Sets Records Straight, Denies Invasion Of EKEDC Substation In Badagry

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  The Nigerian Army has denied the alleged invasion of the EKO Electricity Distribution Company’s (EKEDC) substation in Badagry by its officers. The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Thursday to set the record about the allegations, said the report failed to present the true picture of what transpired and a calculated attempt to mislead the public. According to the statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, who is the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, disclosed that the Nigerian Army is committed to protecting, it is imperative to clarify some issues and put the records straight. The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to the alleged invasion of the EKO Electricity Distribution Company’s (EKEDC) substation in Badagry by soldiers of the Nigerian Army.” “The allegation was made during an interview conducted by Arise Television with the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors on 18 March 2025. The report failed to present the true picture of what transpired and therefore portends an attempt to mislead the public.” “In the interest of Nigerian citizens that the NA is committed to protecting, it is imperative to clarify some issues and put the records straight.” “The Badagry community where Topo Barracks is located has been grappling with power outage for over one month, despite this challenge, the community in Badagry, including the barrack community, have been managing with the situation in the face of repeated reassurances by the EKEDC.” “Eventually, the power supply was restored in the early hours of 14 March 2025, at about 12:30 AM. However, following the restoration, a power surge occurred, triggering a fire incident in the barracks at a facility managed by EKEDC. This caused serious panic in the barracks, and in response, the soldiers on duty immediately coordinated efforts with EKEDC personnel to contain the situation. The company’s technical staff were granted access to the barracks at about 1:00 AM to rectify the fault, and they departed around 2:30 AM after successfully addressing the issue.” “It is crucial to emphasize that while a misunderstanding occurred between a soldier and an EKEDC staff member during the process, it was swiftly and amicably resolved on the spot. This incident occurred in the Barracks and not in EKEDC premises. At no time was EKEDC substation company in Badagry invaded by any soldier, and neither was any staff of the company abducted or detained in the barracks.” “Furthermore, the Commanding Officer of the unit has maintained a longstanding relationship with EKEDC’s leadership in Badagry, which remains unchanged. To ensure transparency and ascertain the precise cause of the fire outbreak, the Commanding Officer immediately constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.” “It was also observed that during the interview with Arise TV, the footage repeatedly aired by the station was entirely of a different incident, and the troops in the visual footage were not personnel of the NA. This has created a misleading narrative that suggests a hostile standoff between the NA and EKEDC.” “As a responsible and reputable national institution, guided by extant statutory provisions of the constitution, the Nigerian Army takes human rights violations seriously and will not condone any form of misconduct against law abiding citizens going about their legitimate duties. The Nigerian Army also makes it a point of duty to ensure cordial relationships with its host communities and stakeholders.”

Just In- Tinubu Swears In Ibok-Ete Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator

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  ABUJA – The sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas(rtrd.) has taken oath of office at the Presidential Villa Abuja. Recall that upon the declaration of state of emergency on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu had appointed Ibas to take charge in the troubled state for six months, pending resolution of the political crisis. Fielding questions from reporters shortly after the brief ceremony, on how he intends to pilot the affairs of the state vis a vis expectations from Nigerians, Ibas simply responded saying, “First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here. “Mr. President made it very clear in this broadcast, if the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers state, that is the utmost task that I have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order and security and stability to the people and government of River State and Nigeria at large.” Recall that Tinubu had invoked a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the protracted political crisis for his actions. While the power play between current Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara got heightened, Tinubu revealed that he felt disturbed and needed to take immediate actions to quell the crisis, which was depriving the citizens of Rivers the dividends of democracy.  

Emergency rule in Rivers, political manipulation—Atiku

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  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as “political manipulation and outright bad faith.” Atiku accused Tinubu of being a “vested partisan actor” in the ongoing political turmoil in the state, alleging that his administration either enabled or failed to prevent the crisis. “His blatant refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful,” Atiku said in a statement on Tuesday via X. He further condemned the security breaches that led to the destruction of national infrastructure in Rivers, insisting that the responsibility lies with the President. “If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility,” he said. “Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the Federal Government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he added. Atiku also accused Tinubu of reversing the peace achieved in the Niger Delta under former President Umaru Yar’Adua, stating that his administration has thrown the region “back into an era of violent unrest and instability.” The former Vice President called on Nigerians to reject what he termed as a political scheme, insisting that the situation in Rivers should not be used as a tool for partisan interests. Punch

BREAKING: Tinubu Suspends Fubara, Deputy For Six Months

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  President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. This is following his declaration of emergency in the oil-rich South South state. The President made the declaration ia nationwide broadcast on Tuesday. He said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers. “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President declared. The president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance. “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he said. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu said the emergency measure was necessary to restore peace. He added that the proclamation had been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly. Tinubu added, “This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.”

Police Arrest Female Gunrunner, Bandits’ Drug Suppliers

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  Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old woman, Hauwa Sani, for allegedly smuggling ammunition concealed in a palm oil container. The police also apprehended a syndicate transporting hard drugs meant for criminals operating in Yobe State. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. He noted that the arrests were made by the Force Intelligence Department-Special Tactical Squad during separate operations. According to the statement, Sani was intercepted along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway on December 23, 2024, while carrying 124 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres hidden inside a five-litre container of palm oil. She allegedly confessed that one Nasiru of Daura had instructed her to deliver the ammunition to Katsina State. The police said further investigations were ongoing. In another operation on February 1, 2025, the FID-STS operatives arrested three suspects—50-year-old Alhaji Usman Yahaya, 27-year-old Joseph Matthew, and 25-year-old Solomon Bala—residents of Potiskum, Yobe State. They were caught transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrup and other hard drugs allegedly meant for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers operating in Yobe and neighbouring countries. The police also busted an arms smuggling ring on February 3, 2025, arresting three suspects—Yusuf Dantani, 24; Usman Labaran, 32; and Musa Mohammed, 23—who were found in possession of 10 AK-47 rifles. Upon interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to dealing in arms and said they had received nearly N4 million for their last batch of weapons. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to dismantling criminal enterprises and ensuring the safety of citizens. We urge the public to support our efforts by providing timely and accurate information that can aid in crime prevention and detection,” the statement added. Punch  

Rivers Denies Reports Of Obasanjo, PANDEF Visit To Fubara

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  The Rivers State Government has debunked social media reports that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and a delegation of the Pan Niger Delta Forum paid a visit to the state governor, Similarly, Fubara, last Sunday. The state government said the claim was malicious from those trying to cause chaos and lawlessness in the state, describing it as fake news. This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Chukwudi said the claims do not deserve a response but for the impression it may create in the minds of the public, insisting that neither Obasanjo nor a delegation by PANDEF visited the state Government House. The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious post circulating on social media, claiming that a delegation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum paid a Solidarity Visit on Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in Government House on Sunday, March 16, 2025. There is also another planted by some people bent on causing chaos and anarchy in the State, alleging that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, paid a visit to the Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt. “Ordinarily, we would not have responded to these spurious claims and obvious fake news on social media, but for the erroneous impression they may create on the minds of gullible and unsuspecting members of the public, and indeed, well-meaning Rivers people. For that reason, let it be clarified that there was no such visit by any delegation of PANDEF to Governor Fubara on the said date, neither did Chief Obasanjo visit him as claimed by our detractors. “So, whatever the purveyors of the vexatious narratives are pushing on social media are only the imagination of enemies of the state, who do not want peace, good governance and even development that the present administration has been working hard to bequeath to the present and future generations. The governor has made it abundantly clear that he would comply and implement, to the fullest, the judgment of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in the State. “He has already initiated processes to ensure that orders of the apex court are implemented, but the Rivers State House of Assembly has refused to cooperate with the governor to facilitate the resolution of all issues raised by the court. As stated earlier, the governor is ready any day, any time to do the needful to ensure the resolution of the issues and smooth functioning of all arms of government in the state.” Punch

“I’m being Victimised, My Suspension Is An Attempt To Silence Me” – Natasha

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  The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has described her suspension from the Nigerian Senate as a deliberate attempt to silence her. Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she is being victimised. She stated this in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday. “I am being victimised. My suspension is a way to silence me,” she said. Sharing her experience, she recounted an encounter with Akpabio at his home. “We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand. “He then squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way. We, women, know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way. “And he went, ‘Now that you’re in the Senate, I’ll make an opportunity for us to come here and have a good moment,’ you know, along that line.” When asked if Akpabio had made advances towards her inside the Senate chamber, she recalled another incident. “There was a time when I rushed to work and forgot to wear my ring. There were about five senators there. He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this.” Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her. She was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” after a disagreement with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Reacting to her claims, the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, denied that Akpabio ever made sexual advances towards Akpoti-Uduaghan. He also dismissed her claim that the Senate was trying to silence her. “Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true,” Nwaebonyi said. She, however, escalated her dispute with Akpabio when she presented her case at a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable. Punch  

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